Symposium

Symposium

Each year, the Rutgers Computer and Technology Law Journal hosts a symposium discussing a diverse set of legal and policy issues related to technology. Each symposium features panelists from various areas of expertise who offer a unique perspective and insight into the subject at issue.

This year, the topic is “Big Data,” the power of using predictive analytics to predict consumer habits. For decades, businesses have acquired and assessed data primarily for the benefit of their customers. However, the expanded use of the Internet and technology has resulted in massive amounts of data, so large that the information is less restricted to the business-customer relationship. Rather, a new industry has emerged of “data brokers” – companies that collect consumers’ personal information and resell or share that information with others.

Data brokers combine online and offline data and compile the information into profiles, similar to the existing practice of credit scores given out by credit reporting agencies. The only difference is that data brokers are subject to very minimal (if any) regulations.

On February 27th, 2015, the Rutgers Computer & Technology Law Journal, in conjunction with the Rutgers Institute for Professional Education, are hosting “Mind Your Business: The Big Data Debate.” Business experts, legal practitioners, legislators and representatives of the advocacy community, as well as U.S. Federal Trade Commissioner Julie Brill will focus on how businesses use big data and whether the legal system should regulate the practices currently in use.

The Rutgers Computer and Technology Law Journal is an officially accredited law journal by the Rutgers Newark School of Law.
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